Hammers Cull Begins

Last updated : 16 May 2003 By Mike Reich

Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio, who may well team up with ex-boss Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth next seasons, has been released after scoring in his last two Hammers appearances. One of the most spectular players ever to play for the club, his on the ball skills will be remembered for years as his off the field rants slip into the recesses of our minds. That goal against Wimbledon. His goals against Arsenal. His performance away against Chelsea this season. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.

Hammers hard-man John Moncur leaves after almost 200 appearances in Claret and Blue, after 9 years with the club. Fans patience with the born-again Christian appeared to wane in recent years as his hard-man antics earned him a poor reputation amongst referees, costing the Hammers free-kicks, and sometimes goals.

Potential saviour, but eventual flop Lee Bowyer is heading out of the door after Roeder signed him for £100,000 in the winter transfer window. After making just 11 starts due to an ankle injury, Hammers fan Bowyer did not turn out to be the messianic hope the fans were looking for.

Nigel Winterburn has played over 90 games for West Ham since being signed by Harry from Arsenal 3 years ago.

Goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw has also been released, after playing no games for the hammers, whilst providing potentially valuable back-up for first choice David James.

Gary Breen - the worst player at the club this season by a country mile - has also thankfully been released.

Also released are: Left-back Scott Minto made over 50 appearances; The dissapointing PSG loan signing Edouard Cisse; Irish centre-half Clive Delaney, who has signed in February on a free transfer; Izzie Iriekpen who has been unfortunate with injuries after captaining the Youth side to victory with Messers Cole and Carrick; Glen Jackson, Billy Mehmet. Ayo Akinsete, Ronnie Fletcher, and Danny Morris.

Of those being kept, Les Ferdinand could impress the most in the First Division, and he is due to stay if he signs a new contract in the coming weeks. England U21 goalkeeper Bywater has already made 5 appearances for West Ham including the memorable 5-4 victory over Bradford City a couple of seasons ago. After several injuries this season he his back to full fitness, and could be a revelation in Div 1.

Impressive youngsters David Noble, and Daryl McMahon are also set for new deals.

With so many players being released, providing Bywater and Ferdinand sign new contracts, the Hammers have little more than a single squad left on their books with first team experience, with only 18 players: Goalkeepers David James & Stephen Bywater; Defenders Tomas Repka, Christian Dailly, Ian Pearce, Glen Johnson, Rufus Brevett, Shaun Byrne, Sebastien Schemmel; Midfielders Don Hutchison, Michael Carrick, Steve Lomas, Trevor Sinclair, Joe Cole; And strikers Jermain Defoe, Frederic Kanoute, Richard Garcia & Les Ferdinand.